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Planning Commission Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Provides technical assistance to superiors, the County Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and the County Board of Supervisors; serves as liaison to the Anti-Litter Council; serves as deputy ...

Civil Engineer II

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Presents capital projects and engineering reports to the Board of Supervisors, School Board, Planning Commission, County Administrator, and School Administrator on engineering projects. Attends ...

County Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

The position works closely with the Department of Community Development, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and Subdivision Agent; brings injunction and abatement actions to enforce zoning ...

Civil Engineer II

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Presents capital projects and engineering reports to the Board of Supervisors, School Board, Planning Commission, County Administrator, and School Administrator on engineering projects. * Attends ...

County Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

The position works closely with the Department of Community Development, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and Subdivision Agent; brings injunction and abatement actions to enforce zoning ...

Showing results 21-40

Planning Commission information

See Virginia salary details

$55.5K

$102.3K

$155.7K

How much do planning commission jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for planning commission in Virginia is $102,333.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a planning commission?

A Planning Commission is a local governmental body that advises on land use, zoning, and development within a community. Its members review proposals for new developments, changes to zoning laws, and long-term community planning initiatives to ensure growth aligns with the area's goals and regulations. The commission often holds public meetings to gather input from residents and make recommendations to the city council or county board. Planning Commissions play a critical role in shaping the future look and function of cities and towns.

How does a member of the planning commission typically collaborate with local government officials and the community during project review processes?

Planning Commission members frequently work alongside city planners, engineers, and other local government staff to evaluate development proposals and ensure compliance with zoning laws and community plans. They also engage with the public through hearings and community meetings, gathering input and addressing concerns from residents and stakeholders. Effective collaboration is key, as members must balance regulatory requirements with community interests, often requiring negotiation and consensus-building skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a planning commission member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Planning Commission member, you need a solid understanding of urban planning principles, zoning laws, and land use regulations, often supported by relevant education or experience in planning or public administration. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), planning software, and municipal codes is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, public communication, and collaborative skills help navigate complex projects and engage with diverse stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for making informed, balanced decisions that shape sustainable and equitable community development.

What is the difference between Planning Commission vs Urban Planner?

AspectPlanning CommissionUrban Planner
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in urban planning, public administration, or related fields; certifications like AICP are commonRequires a degree in urban planning, geography, or related disciplines; certification like AICP is often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public meetings, policy developmentPublic and private sectors, community engagement, site analysis
Industry UsageUsed in government to oversee planning policies and zoningUsed in urban development projects, consulting, and municipal planning

The Planning Commission typically functions as a government body responsible for overseeing urban development policies and zoning regulations. Urban Planners focus on designing and developing specific projects within communities. While both roles require similar credentials and often work in related environments, the Planning Commission acts as a governing body, whereas Urban Planners are professionals executing planning projects.

How to become a planning commissioner?

To become a planning commissioner, candidates typically need to demonstrate knowledge of urban planning, land use, or related fields, often through relevant education or experience. Most positions are appointed by local government officials and may require community involvement or a background in public service. Familiarity with local planning laws and strong communication skills are also beneficial.

What are the duties of a planning commission?

A planning commission is responsible for developing land use policies, reviewing development proposals, and making recommendations to local government on zoning and urban planning issues. They analyze community needs, ensure compliance with regulations, and often hold public hearings to gather community input. The role requires knowledge of planning principles, zoning laws, and often involves collaboration with city officials and the public.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planning jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Planning jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Planning Commission jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Planning Commission job openings:

Infographic showing various Planning Commission job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,333 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

$33.47 - $54.38/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Virginia Department Of Transportation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description


Coordinate with a variety of entities on transportation planning activities and programs. Conduct technical analyses to support the program. Perform special duties as assigned.
How you will contribute:
  • Communication: Respond to public inquiries. Attend public hearings for major studies and construction projects. Develop and make presentations to government and civic groups on transportation planning and land development.
  • District PIM: Support District PIM section and project development by coordinating planning efforts with land development, programming, and project development activities; provide recommendations based on highway needs assessments, long range plans and regional studies to be considered for inclusion in the programming process. Provide supporting project documentation such as history of need, traffic forecast, transportation impact, regional social and economic data, land use and local transportation planning efforts.
  • Perform duties as assigned.: Perform duties, tasks, activities and/or projects as assigned.
  • Technical Assistance and Review : Conduct land development reviews for local jurisdictions to include rezoning, subdivision, site plan and record plat reviews for residencies. Provide thorough reviews of traffic impact studies. Provide traffic projections, capacity analyses, etc. for design projects.
  • Traffic Forecasting and Analysis: Prepare local and regional travel demands for specific milestone years using available data, reports, and models. Enable transportation measures to be displayed geospatially. Provide traffic forecasts, roundabout analysis and recommendations for scoping meetings, roadway design and environmental studies.
  • Transportation Mobility and Planning Division: Coordinate district planning activities for urban and statewide programs. Provide technical assistance, guidance and leadership to district staff, local planning commissions and organizational and local governments to meet FHWA, TMPD and VDOT goals and objectives. Support the district's MPO transportation planning programs through representation on committees as VDOT's representative. Serve as liaison in assigned planning matters.
  • Transportation Planning Studies: Assist with conducting, managing, and participating in transportation planning studies including corridor studies, access management studies, crossover studies, interchange studies, etc. Collect and analyze data and provide recommendations for transportation planning initiatives.

  • What will make you successful:
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing to a diverse audience.
  • Ability to organize and analyze transportation data.
  • Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and complete multiple assignments within scheduled time frames.
  • Knowledge of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and/or regional long-range transportation planning efforts.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

  • Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to apply transportation planning principles and practices and procedures.
  • Ability to apply transportation planning principles and practices to a variety of complex projects.
  • Ability to evaluate, develop, and maintain innovative solutions for transportation planning and mobility initiatives.
  • Ability to manage financial resources.
  • Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and complete multiple assignments within scheduled timeframes.

  • Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or related field desired.
  • Ability to act as a liaison with diverse groups, e.g., government officials, special interest groups, citizens, etc.
  • Certified Planner with American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) certification desired.
  • Knowledge of long-range transportation planning to include Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), transportation studies and traffic analyses.
  • Knowledge of planning and traffic engineering software.

  • Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
    Competency Model
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    Physical Requirements
    VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
    VDOT Code of Ethics
    Standards of Conduct
    Qualifications
    Physical Requirements
    Physical Requirements

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